An email from a United passenger described an incident on a flight where a flight attendant first inquired about the message on the passenger’s shirt before a supervisor instructed him to leave the aircraft.
The supervisor reportedly told the passenger that the shirt, which contained the word “bomb,” offended other crew members and that he would have to alter the shirt or he would not be allowed to remain on the flight.
After the plane landed in Newark, a United representative informed the passenger that other travelers had complained about the shirt, claiming it made them feel unsafe.
A group associated with the shirt maintained that its design was a peaceful statement aimed at drawing attention to the deaths of children in Gaza, asserting that the message does not encourage violence or threaten anyone.
The group also contested the explanation that the word “bomb” was the cause of concern, arguing that the phrase “Bombing kids is not self defense” is distinct from language that suggests a threat.
Additionally, the group cited an incident in which a member had flown with a passenger wearing an Israeli Defense Forces shirt without any reported issues, suggesting that the airline’s policy may not have been applied consistently.
The group has reached out to the U.S. Department of Transportation to confirm receipt of the complaint, to inquire whether the agency is reviewing the incident, and to request comments on the allegations that a passenger was required to change his clothing before being allowed to travel.
